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Have you ever come across the idiom “The ball is in your court now”? This popular English idiom has nothing to do with any sports, but is a fun way lying on of saying that it’s your turn to make a decision or take action in any situation.” This idiomatic expression first appeared in America in the early nineteenth century. These idioms fit perfectly in many daily life situations. So, let’s dive into this blog and understand the real meaning behind this idiom, along with examples and how to use them.
This Blog Includes:
Ball is in Your Court Idiom: Definition
“Ball is in your court” is an idiom that means it’s your turn to make a decision or take action. Just like in sports, when the ball lands on your side and you must take action, this idiom is used when someone is waiting for you to decide what happens next. These idioms are commonly used when
- Someone has already given you a suggestion
- You need to choose between options
- The next step depends on your response
Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Ball is in Your Court Idiom: Usage with Examples
Here are some examples of the use of the “ball is in your court” idiom in sentences. This will help you to understand how to use these idioms in your everyday sentences:
- We did our best, and the ball is now in your court.
- The entire family has supported his decision to go to another nation, but the ball is in his court if he changes his mind at the last minute.
- I believe I have done enough to save our marriage. The ball is in your court now.
- I had already agreed to meet with him to discuss his idea, but he did not show up on time. The ball is in his court.
- She started the dialogue, but if he wanted to consider her marriage proposal, the ball would be in his court.
- His relatives and friends have asked him to apologise to his supervisor in order to keep his job. The ball is now in his court.
- I have worked tirelessly for two years here now. I think I deserve a pay raise. I have done my bit; the ball is in your court now, manager, sir.
Synonyms for Ball is in Your Court Idiom
Let us look at the following list of synonyms on ‘ball is in your court’, which will help you add variety to your writing. You can use these words instead of using these idioms again and again.
- It’s your move,
- Boss is the boss,
- Choose for yourself,
- Boss calls the shots,
- Decide for yourself, and
- It is for you to decide.
Also Read: 150 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples
Ball is in Your Court Idiom Quiz
Once you have understood all about the ‘ball is in your court’ idiom, it is time you check your understanding with the help of the quiz that we have prepared for you.
1. Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?
a) Venus b) Mars c) Jupiter d) Saturn
Answer: b) Mars
2. What is the capital of France?
a) Rome b) Berlin c) Paris d) Madrid
Answer: c) Paris
3. Which of the following is a mammal?
a) Shark b) Penguin c) Bat d) Snake
Answer: c) Bat
4. What is the chemical symbol for gold?
a) Ag b) Au c) Fe d) Cu
Answer: b) Au
5. Who wrote the play “Romeo and Juliet”?
a) Charles Dickens b) William Shakespeare c) Jane Austen d) Mark Twain
Answer: b) William Shakespeare
6. Which continent is known as the “Land Down Under”?
a) Africa b) Asia c) Australia d) South America
Answer: c) Australia
7. What is the largest ocean in the world?
a) Atlantic Ocean b) Indian Ocean c) Arctic Ocean d) Pacific Ocean
Answer: d) Pacific Ocean
8. Which of the following is a primary colour?
a) Green b) Orange c) Blue d) Purple
Answer: c) Blue
9. What is the powerhouse of the cell?
a) Nucleus b) Mitochondria c) Ribosome d) Endoplasmic Reticulum
Answer: b) Mitochondria
10. What is 25% of 100?
a) 10 b) 20 c) 25 d) 50
Answer: c) 25
FAQs
“Sir, I have worked tirelessly for two years here now. I think I deserve a pay raise. I have done my bit; the ball is in your court now.”
The synonym of “the ball is in your court” is “It is your move now.”
“The ball is in your court” is an example of an idiom.
It can be, but the tone is crucial. While it implies urgency, it’s generally considered more polite than directly telling someone to hurry. It places the responsibility on them while acknowledging their autonomy.
While similar, “the ball is in your court” often carries a slightly stronger implication of responsibility. “It’s your turn” can be used in a more casual way.
Check more related reads on Idioms and Proverbs
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| Idioms for Experience | Proverbs on life |
| Idioms for Great | Proverbs on Speech |
| Idioms for Surprise & Shock | Proverbs on love |
This was all about the “Ball is in Your Court Idiom.” You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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